After serving her crews well since the second “War to end all wars”, the HMS Krarm, a medium size landing ship, was sunk just 300 meters off the coast of Bamboo Island (Koh Pai) . The aging vessel, acquired by the Thai Navy in 1962, saw the last light of day amidst naval ceremonies as it slowly sank beneath the water. It will now begin its new life an artificial reef.

The aging vessel, acquired by the Thai Navy in 1962, saw the last light of day amidst naval ceremonies as it slowly sank beneath the water. It will now begin its new life an artificial reef, where marine life will blossom and attract avid divers from around the world.
Pattaya City and Navy officials have worked closely on the project since General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth; Minister of Defence signed the documents approving the sinking of the ship over 2 years ago, on February 26, 2002 .
On January 30 2002 year the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Pattaya City management began organizing the sinking ceremony for the HMS Krarm. Its designated resting place, near Bamboo Island , is under the control of the RTN. Vice Admiral Somjai Watanyothin, deputy commander in chief of the Royal Thai Fleet said, “The sinking of the HMS Krarm for the purpose of creating an underwater preservation park is a first in Thailand . We hope the ship will encourage growth and occupation of marine animals. To sink the ship we created large holes so the water would slowly flow into the stern of the ship and it would gradually sink to the bottom in a vertical manner. The way the ship is built and the method in which it was sunk means there should not be any problems with it shifting.” The Navy has placed warning signs around the area to warn fisherman and commercial ships of the wreck as to avoid any accidents. A public relations campaign for divers will inform them of this new diving site not far from Koh Larn Island." The Royal Thai Navy will also safeguard the area via regular boat patrols to ensure it stays a safe haven for marine life in Thailand ,” said the vice admiral. The HMS Krarm was received from Seattle , Washington in the USA under a naval assistance project and arrived in Thailand September 11, 1962 . The vessel is classed as a medium sized landing vessel; 61.5 meters long, 10.35 meters wide.
The ship was active in World War II before arriving in Thailand . The ageing vessel became increasingly un-seaworthy and the rising cost of constant repair prompted the decision by the Ministry of Defence to lay the vessel to rest for the benefit of the environment.
It now lies on the seabed, 300 meters off Bamboo Island at latitude 12 degrees 55 minutes north (of the equator) and longitude 100 degrees 41 minutes 26 seconds east (of Greenwich).